ACLU BACKS LIMBAUGH IN MEDICAL RECORDS CASE

WEST PALM BEACH - Rush Limbaugh and the American Civil Liberties Union don't
agree about much, but they are in accord on one matter: The conservative
radio commentator's medical records should be off-limits to prosecutors.

The Florida ACLU filed court papers Monday supporting Limbaugh's argument
that state investigators violated his constitutional right to privacy when
they seized his medical records in November to investigate whether he
violated drug laws when he purchased prescription painkillers.

``It may seem odd that the ACLU has come to the defense of Rush Limbaugh,''
Howard Simon, executive director of the ACLU of Florida, said in a
statement. ``But we have always said that the ACLU's real client is the Bill
of Rights, and we will continue to safeguard the values of equality,
fairness and privacy for everyone, regardless of race, economic status or
political point of view.''

The organization said it wants ``to vindicate every Floridian's fundamental
right to privacy by ensuring that the state be required to comply'' with the
law.

State Attorney Barry Krischer had no comment on the ACLU's involvement.
Spokesman Mike Edmondson said prosecutors have followed state laws and have
protected Limbaugh's rights throughout the investigation. Limbaugh has not
been charged with a crime.